The Octopus (1984): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript

OCTOPUS

In a town in Sicily,

the Chief lnspector
is murdered.

It looks like
a usual Mafia killing.

That same day
there's news of another death.

Marchioness Pecci Scialoia
has killed herself.

The murdered lnspector

is replaced by
Corrado Cattani,

a capable policeman
who moves to Sicily

with his wife and daughter.

With his deputy,
Leo De Maria,



Corrado investigates the murder
and meets Titti,

the dead noblewoman's
junkie daughter.

He soon finds a link between
his predecessor's murder

and the Marchioness' death.

The truth is about to emerge
when Leo De Maria

who got information
from a prisoner

is gunned down in cold blood

by a young killer.

Shut up!

OCTOPUS

What's happened in our town?

Here, where so many
good people live...

Hardworking people

who accept adversity
with patience and trust.



People who greet each other
with a smile

as they see
themselves in others.

For some time now,

it's as if an evil force
was among us.

The sun shines,
but sheds no light.

The streets are darkened
with fear.

The streets
are bloodstained.

We expected a young man

to come to the altar
with his bride.

Instead, he's come to this church
inside a coffin,

motionless and silent.

By living honestly,

he hoped to have
a peaceful life.

But someone decided,
in contempt of the Lord,

EPlSODE TWO
that his life should be ended.

Murderers...

You who fired the shots

and you who paid
the killer.

You have sided with evil

and those who make
that choice

can no longer live
among Christians.

Enough tears,

enough ceremonies

and condolences.

Enough!

I say this in the name of
the church we all belong to...

Mafia is now an old
and worn word.

It's time to
talk about connections

between the small fish
and the big fish.

Between the wretch
who kills for money

and the powerful
who give the orders.

That is why hope,

in this day
of bloodshed and sorrow,

is represented by so many
young people here today.

Young people
like Leo De Maria

and women,

who also want an end
to visible massacres

Iike the one
we mourn today

and the invisible ones,

because we no longer want
to shed these tears.

Fiery fellow, this Don Manfredi.

He looks good, he's well known
like a soccer player,

but as a priest
he doesn't risk much.

As for ending up like poor Leo,

you and l
are the likely candidates,

not him.

- You're retiring soon.
- If I make it!

As for you, why don't you
request a transfer?

You're not finding a needle
in the haystack here,

although
you're not to blame.

- So who's to blame?
- The haystack.

Who did it, Dad?

We don't know.

Maybe whoever rang you
just before the murder.

Don't you think?

Maybe.

Let's change the subject.

Why are you bottling it up?
Why won't you talk to us?

There's my home
and my work.

- I want to relax at home.
- But you aren't.

You would be
if you let it all out.

You like being alone.

Is it asking too much
to ask for silence sometimes?

- Where are you going?
- If you want to be alone...

Sit down.

Actually, I'm sorry.

If you've finished,
you can go.

We're worried about you.
Can you understand that?

I don't exist for you!

You look straight through me.

I changed my life for you.

If I'd been told
I'd marry a policeman

I'd have burst out laughing,
but here I am.

I gave up my world, my friends,
and my aspirations.

- You think it wasn't worth it?
- No, but it's been hard.

I thought it was sweeter
to be a man's slave.

You, my slave?

Did it occur to you
that you deprived me

of something
I needed to live?

I mean complete trust
among certain people...

A friend, your wife...

but you sullied everything.

You cheated
just after we married

and I still don't know why!

Life with a man like you
scared me.

I wanted to escape.

After 1 3 years
you ask all these questions?

So let's drop it.

No, I just want
to understand

what you really want
to know about me now.

Did you leave him

or did he leave you?

I left him
when I realised I loved you.

Have you cheated on me
since then?

No.

I would have told you.

I'm not speaking
out of wounded male pride.

There was something
between us once. But now...

It's like a plant without water.

It's not my fault,
nor yours, either.

It's no one's fault.

Marineo's death seemed
a Mafia vendetta,

but Leo De Maria's killing
puts a new slant on things.

There are people here

who are running scared
and will go to any lengths.

That's why they butchered
that boy, but I will avenge him!

I will avenge him!
Wait.

Until you have solid proof,
don't take pointless risks.

You've clearly
stepped on someone's toes.

Don't behave like
a raging lion down there,

but like a snake,
do you follow?

Use your intelligence
and be cautious.

I may be in jail, lnspector,
but I'm still Anna's brother.

She's alone and an orphan

so I felt I had to ask
the young man courting her

about his intentions...

Bullshit!

Bullshit, because
you told Leo something

that he didn't
have time to tell me.

- What was it?
- There must be a mistake, sir.

Someone else must have
told Leo something.

He and I simply discussed

the upcoming wedding.

Poor thing.

Catch his killers
and punish them.

You think you're smart.

What did that fellow say?

You deal with the killer.

Why do you treat me like this?
You're not happy with me?

Then put in a report.
What kind of person are you?

I don't need to justify myself
and least of all to you!

I just want to help you.

Just tell me honestly
what's going on,

what you're thinking.

Speaking of honesty,
have you told me everything?

- What do you mean?
- Maybe you know.

I'm talking about the reasons,
suspicions and theories.

In short, whatever went on
before I got here. Well?

What should I tell you?

I've always reported
whatever came to my notice.

I want to be frank with you.

I don't trust you at all.

You figure out
the consequences of that.

The consequences are that
I'll stay and do my duty.

Does that bother you?

Then get to work.

They come here
as a last resort.

Some can't handle it and go.
I don't force them to stay.

But many come back
and end up staying.

Go on, Tommaso. Get up.

Get him up.

Come on!

- Where's Anna Caruso?
- In your office.

Thanks.
Come, lnspector.

Anna, lnspector Cattani
wants a word with you.

- Goodbye, lnspector.
- Goodbye.

Anna... Why didn't you
come to my office?

I don't want to talk about
what happened.

Your brother asked to see
Leo De Maria. Why?

Naturally my brother
wanted to meet Leo

as a future
brother-in-law.

Leo...

Leo was told something
serious by your brother

about our investigation.

Not that I know.

You're protecting
your fiance's killers.

You could be charged
with withholding information.

Go ahead.

May I go back
to my work now?

Go.

- The papers, Marchioness.
- Send them to the lawyer.

It's been an honour
meeting you.

You call buying a boat
at half price an honour?

I'd say you got a good deal.

The sooner you take it
the better.

Do you need me?

Did Leo De Maria ever
have any contact with you?

Who's Leo?

You met him
the first time I came here.

Oh, yes. Why didn't you
bring him today?

- You don't read the papers?
- No.

And you don't watch TV?
Well, he's dead.

Killed?

Yes.

Yes, l...

I remember him.
He was tall and handsome.

I'm really sorry.

You take to some people
on the first meeting.

The fact is,
death fills me with fear.

Now I always think
it'll come suddenly.

I often keep
the light on all night

and never fall asleep
before dawn.

I'm just babbling on,
aren't l?

I'm saying I don't want
to hear about another death.

It's not your fault,
but you shouldn't have come.

I thought you might
be able to help me.

How can I help you?

I thought Leo might have
told you something.

Never mind.
I'm sorry I upset you.

You're here now...

- Maybe I can help you.
- I don't need any help.

I thought the opposite.

The other evening
at the Club...

You tried to dance
with your friends

but at a certain point, you...

you looked scared
and anguished.

I was watching you.
Did you notice?

Of course.

Maybe because I feel for you...

a certain closeness as if...

- You'd known me for years?
- Yes.

Do you mind
if I visit you?

If you must, go ahead.

Did you know
lnspector Marineo?

Only by name.

But you know Cirinna well.

It's a small town. He has
a passion for bikes, like I do.

I met him when I bought
my first 250cc.

What else is there?

Why are you so defensive?

And why do you torment me?

Because my life is full
of contradictions too.

- Goodbye, Marchioness.
- Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Watch me.

Well done.

Hi, Mum.

That evening at the club
you wore a mauve silk dress.

- Unforgettable.
- You don't say.

I haven't seen you here
for over a month.

A beautiful woman
has no right to hide.

It's an attack
on public happiness.

You feed off compliments.
You breathe them.

And you gather them,
leaving none for the others.

Congratulations,

you're an expert in gallantry.

You know...

there are times

when I see your husband
speed past me

in his fast car
with the sirens wailing,

I say to myself,

"Maybe he's after me,
to handcuff me."

Why would he arrest you?

For all the thoughts I have
of his wife, Your Honour.

I need a favour.

- Two, one thousand...
- Just one.

- I'd like an exhibition.
- Fashion?

Paintings. I paint.

I hear you know everyone.

I see.

- They usually open boutiques.
- Who?

Young wives who are tired
of just being wives.

No, jokes aside,
this is a wonderful find.

You step out of
the police archives

and become a colleague in art,
if I may say so.

Consider it done.
You have lovely eyes.

Yes?

Inspector Cattani...

I didn't think
you'd call so soon.

Well...
I need to see you right away.

Very well, if it's necessary.
In an hour's time.

All right.

Why the hell
didn't you call earlier?

I couldn't.

Listen, I have to
tell you something.

That pest Cattani called me
to ask me out to dinner.

Who, the cop?
Look...

No, listen to me!

Listen, I accepted only because

if I refuse,
he'll get suspicious.

- I did it also for you.
- Good girl, but be home by 1 1.

Listen, Sante...

I got stuck into it a bit

and I've run out.

I had my last hit this morning.
I'll need some for later.

It's just that...

I don't have any right now.

How can that be?

You can get it in 1 0 minutes.

You're saying it
to make me suffer.

Of course not.
Tell me you're happy with me.

Yes, I'm happy.

- Do you like being together?
- Yes, I like it.

Good girl.

Please don't blackmail me.

Do you want to make me cry?

Do you want me to jump
out of the window?

- Do you want to see me?
- Yes, please come over.

But don't leave me
high and dry!

See you later.
Bring the stuff.

Bring it.
I'll be waiting.

I'm in withdrawal.

You know I shoot up,
don't you?

So why are you
skirting around it?

Now we've cleared that up,
what is it you want?

Does Cirinna supply you?

Why him? He sells cars.

- The town's full of dealers.
- I know. It's my job.

Take one, it'll help for a while.

Give me two.

We call you
the good Samaritan.

You should
cut out drugs completely.

Is that clear?

Right away,
or do I have till Monday?

I'd like to put you
in Don Manfredi's hands.

Forget my salvation
and ask your questions.

Sure. Did lnspector Marineo
come to your home?

Here we go!
You don't let up, do you?

You're pigheaded!
I told you...

Marineo was killed
in your home,

next to the dining room.

What did you say?

That Marineo was killed
in your home

next to the dining room.

You're crazy.

You're a real character.

Finished your performance?

You're the performing one!

You make up all these things...

to frighten me, I guess.

I found a box of matches
stained with Marineo's blood

close by.

Close to what?

Close to the old armchair
you had re-upholstered.

Marineo was killed the night
your mother killed herself.

You see, it isn't just
a coincidence,

because they both died
in the same place.

That's all I know.

Maybe you can tell me more

since you were present.

Pig!

You bastard!
Who do you think you are?

Do you want to arrest me?

I should, or at least
I should detain you.

I'm getting a strange idea.

What I'm about to tell you

is against every rule
of my job.

I won't disturb you
or contact you again.

I'll leave it to you
and I'm sure you will.

And when you do, it'll mean
you no longer hate me.

Very well.
Now like two good friends

after a pleasant
evening spent together,

Iet's say good night.

What did he want?

What did he want?

Who knows? He asked heaps
of questions about that fellow...

- His assistant...
- Who, De Maria?

Yes, he asked
if he'd spoken to me.

Why would he, I replied.

You're edgy.
You haven't slept, have you?

I'm fine. Got my stuff?

- Of course.
- You do?

- Yes, you can have it.
- Well?

- Not now.
- Yes, now.

- What will you give me?
- Nothing. Go away.

- What will you give me?
- You go tonight.

- Really?
- Yes, you leave right away.

Why must you always
be difficult?

Here's Milan, Rome,
Naples and Palermo.

- Do you like Palermo?
- Never been there.

Never been to Palermo?

That'll be Dad.

Dad, come here.

Come on!

What is it?

You must know what goes on
in this house. Look.

I told you not to tell.

You've gone back
to painting. That's great.

- Like it?
- Sure.

It's beautiful.

Yes, all these colours...
and the eyes in the centre...

It's beautiful because
it's mysterious, contorted...

It's not a Picasso or a Miro,
but if I keep at it,

I'll have an exhibition
in autumn.

- In just two months?
- Santamaria will help me.

I'd say that's a mistake.

Sure, he could promote it
on his TV station,

but then they'll all
buy your pictures

only because you're my wife.

Or because they're nice.

That's precisely why

I wouldn't resort to
the usual favours!

Do you really think
they're beautiful?

Yes... Not that
I'm an art critic,

but I'd say
you're giving your all.

This one's particularly good.

How about on this wall
with a nice frame?

It'll be a nice splash of colour.

How about it, Else?

What are you doing?

- What have you done?
- Mum!

What...

It looks nicer now.
Like a Fontana.

- I liked it!
- I didn't like it anymore.

You're so silly.
It really was beautiful.

- Do you really think so?
- Of course I do!

Look what you did!

Unbelievable.
What should I do now?

I should slap you!
Tell me why I shouldn't.

- I'll paint it again tomorrow.
- You will?

- Then you'll slash it again.
- Maybe.

Sometimes you two
are a bit screwy.

When you're sweet to me
I'm happy.

You're nuts.

I've been looking for you all day.

Why are you avoiding me?

I'm not avoiding you.
I was out for work.

What is it?

I need to talk to you.
You must come over.

Come right away.

You asked me many questions
and I didn't answer.

And many others you didn't ask.

Now I'll answer them all.

You're in no condition to do so.

What's wrong, lnspector?
Are you scared?

Regrets? What's wrong?

Didn't you want proof?

I won't change my mind.
I'll dump it all onto you.

Do me a favour and sit down.

Your pacing up and down
makes my head spin.

I like you.
You make me feel secure.

Unless I tell you everything,
I'll die.

Then you must
make sure I don't end up

Iike that friend of yours,
after I've spilled the beans.

What's the expression?
After I've confessed...

That's funny, just like a priest.
It's so funny!

- You're in an altered state.
- I shot up, you guessed it.

Want to see my arms, my veins?
My little veins?

I even did it on my foot, once.

So what?

I shoot up almost every day.
Twice a day, if I feel like it...

or if I'm depressed.

Sometimes you can be
unbearable.

You're such a liar.

You like me.

That night I went to the party,
I went for you.

Just to see you.

I've fallen in love with you.

I've fallen in love with you.

Let's risk it.

Let's take a risk.

I want to hide near you
and inside you.

Tell me what happened
that night.

It was like a nightmare.

I heard voices in my sleep

but I wasn't dreaming.

They were distant voices
through the walls.

For a moment I thought
it was a radio somewhere

or a TV left on
by mistake downstairs.

Then I recognised
my mother's voice.

Marineo...

and Cirinna.

Even the old servant
had woken up.

I was told that servants

shouldn't witness
family rows...

so I sent him back
to his room.

When I met Titti, she was
already tripped out, as they say.

When Titti got out of rehab,
it was still you!

You supplied her, Cirinna,
under the guise of a friend.

You said you'd get her
out of that tunnel

and as a desperate mother
I believed you!

I won't be blackmailed.

I'll send you and all those
above you to jail.

You have
no evidence against me.

- You want me to vanish?
- Yes.

You ruined my daughter.
You turned her into a junkie.

After a couple of small hits?

- Liar, go away!
- Get out!

You're crazy!

Murderer!

Oh, God!
You'll pay for this, you murderer.

I'll send you to jail. Murderer!

Now you'll do
exactly as I say.

You'll call the police,
ask for lnspector Altero

and tell him that your mother
killed lnspector Marineo

and then committed suicide.

Is that clear?

Call him!

Call him.
That's my girl, call him.

Four...

Three...

One...

One...

Zero.

And not one word more.

Police...

Hello...

While I was talking to Altero,
I had Marineo in front of me.

If it weren't for the blood,

everything looked so normal.

You're in danger.

Not yet.
You're protecting me.

Are you scared of him?

If I stop sleeping
with him, yes.

Anyway, I can't turn you
into the witness.

If you need me to, why not?

It would be a death sentence.

But I'm a lost soul.
What do you care?

You might even
find me repulsive.

Will I see you again?

Yes.

Watch what you say
to Cirinna.

Bye.

I'll call you later.
Call me if you need anything.

Will I get dinner ready, Miss?

- Not now, Ruggero.
- Very well.

Yes?

Listen... What did
the lnspector visit you for?

Oh, the cop...

You know, the usual stuff.

He's just a pest.

- He asks all these questions.
- Do you know why?

I think he likes rubbing
shoulders with the aristocracy.

Watch out,
he's as cunning as a fox.

- Will I come over?
- No, Sante. I'm not very well.

Tomorrow?

- Ring in a couple of days.
- Do you love me?

Yes, I love you.

Well, goodbye.

- Why are you laughing?
- No reason.

What's going through your head?

I was thinking that

when we're alone

it's as if there were
a third person between us.

Why did you marry me?

- Because I loved you.
- What about now?

I don't know anymore.

Have you seen that girl again?

Yes.

She's part of the investigation.

- We have to go out tonight.
- Great.

- Where are you taking me?
- To the Club.

- And after that?
- Then you go to sleep.

Listen here,
you heard me, didn't you,

when I said I loved you?

Sure I did.
I'm not deaf.

I see.
You want to pick the time.

- Got a pretty dress?
- A stack of them.

I'm a gentleman.
I can't accept.

No, I'm inviting you.

I'll accept only if
it's my evening.

Does that mean the bill too?

Of course, and the flowers
they bring to the table.

You're my guest.

We're discussing my exhibition
so I'm paying.

Is this a lesson
in feminism

or are you trying to buy me?

Don't laugh,
I'm quite serious.

Do you know everything

about the night life
in our seedy metropolis,

or do we go to Palermo?

Everyone must see us together,

so tomorrow
the town will scramble

to gossip about the new affair.

An illicit one, at that.

Hi, Titti,
you're in great shape.

And you're very elegant.

We'll have the blessing
of polite society.

I never realised
people had so many eyes.

We're creating quite a stir.

I know, but now
we're compromised.

Do you know the mysteries
of this club?

- Not all.
- They're not exceptional...

but fine for
a local sensation. Okay?

Follow me.

This is where
they gamble, illegally.

- Want to place a bet?
- Yes, why not?

What a nice surprise,
lnspector!

Come over here.

Carry on, everyone.
There's no need to worry.

- I've come to enjoy myself.
- Take a seat.

You won't arrest us
after the first hand, will you?

I'm here incognito, Madam.
Blind and deaf.

Congratulations.

I see you've settled in well.

Our lnspector
doesn't fear gossip.

He doesn't care.

Don't neglect me.

Don't press me into
an old book like a dried flower.

- Don't start, Olga.
- No, I'll wait.

Rather resigned,
but I'll wait.

Why don't you accept,
my dear Olga,

what's in front of you,
which isn't too bad?

The wheel turns

and we might get
the wind in our sails.

Wind in our sails?
This ship is sinking!

Deal a card.
Let's see if I have more luck.

What's wrong?

Calm down.

Let me go.

- What can I do?
- I need a fix.

Yes, I need a fix.

This is your room.
Three of us share it.

- Hi, I'm Piera.
- Hi, Piera.

My back is killing me.

I can't do this.
I have a stomach ache.

Stay calm and sit down.

Try taking this.

- Corrado!
- I'm here.

Try to take it.

I can't. I'll throw it up.
I can't.

Go on, Titti, try.
Titti!

I'll throw it up.

I'm going to vomit.

I know I'm going to vomit.

Don't worry.
The girls know what to do.

Come with me.

Follow me.

The heroin
had strychnine in it.

We couldn't help the poor boy.

Do you know who they are?

Cirinna's men, I think.

I'll station a car here.

See that light
on the second floor?

That's my place.

Will you come up
for a drink?

I know, it's rather trite,

but we mustn't see our actions
as a catastrophe

or a point of no return.

It might just be a response
to an impulse of the moment.

Something that's fleeting,
but beautiful...

which helps
make life sweeter.

Another trite comment!

That's a fault I have.
I'm trite.

But the mere thought
that you now

might tell me
that you'll come upstairs...

Ieaves me breathless

and excited.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm an idiot.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have.
I've ruined everything.

Maybe if I hadn't
done that...

That's enough.

Give me a cigarette.

And take me home.

The fact is...

that you make me lose control.

I feel you're so distant.

I'm not in the mood.

Serious problems?

Do you want me
to burst into tears?

Let's drop it.

Wait, there's the police.
Let's go. Let's go, I said.

I'm going to get Titti out.

Let me go.

Does he think

he can parade with my girl
in front of everyone?

What's he doing?

That bastard!

Bastard.

The lnspector looked
so good at the Club

with that pretty girl.

- "Lovely couple! ", people said.
- Shut your mouth!

It's not his fault
you can't enter the Club.

Shut up, you. Shut up!

I'll make him
cough up blood.

Blood!

Speak of the devil!

Here comes the lnspector.

Nice car.
Interested?

I can't afford it now.

I'll give you a special deal.

Save the deals
for your friends.

I'm told you were outside
the drug rehab centre.

Oh... So that's what
we have to talk about!

Were you planning on dealing
drugs to the kids in there?

Nonsense, lnspector! I wanted
news of someone I know.

Then why didn't you go in

and ask to see Titti,
your devoted customer?

Customer?
Did Titti tell you that?

No, Titti doesn't talk.
It's speculation on my part.

You were indicted twice
for that and acquitted.

I read the files carefully.
What a joke!

The evidence
is all against you.

No, it's sheer madness.

- Blame the judge.
- Yes, I'll reopen the case.

Then I'll resume
proceedings against you.

- You were tried in Palermo?
- Why ask? You already know.

- I'm dining there tonight.
- Another dinner?

Yes, but with
an investigating judge.

"lnsufficient evidence"!

You find it funny too,
don't you?

Our courts have abused
that term.

You must fight for
a final judgement.

Either a complete acquittal...

or a jail term.

What a beautiful car.

Look, lnspector,
we're wasting our time.

I'll find the evidence
to send you to jail.

- Even if I have to make it up.
- Is that so?

And I'll refute it,
piece by piece.

And I'll make
different arrangements.

What are you doing, Cirinna?

Selling cars and heroin
as a package?

No!

I'll have to arrest you.

You know why I won't?

Because you planted it there,
lnspector.

Yes, but next time
go and prove it.

Inspector!

Is this personal?

A boy died from drugs
last night.

And you call it personal!

Bastard! I'd make you
piss blood.

What's to look at?

Antonio...

Arrange something
for tonight.

My brother
isn't going to go alone.

You'll have to go too.

- Your wife's on the line.
- Put her through.

- Hi, Else.
- Let's have lunch together.

- We need to talk.
- No, I'm working till late.

- Tonight?
- Sorry, I'm really busy.

Corrado, make the time to see
me tonight. We must talk.

I don't have the time.
We'll talk when I have time.

Watch it, Corrado,
you're wrecking everything.

It's up to you.

You're irritable and I can't
have this conversation.

I'm tired of hearing
it's up to me and I'm to blame.

That's so unfair.

You're old enough to do
whatever you like.

I'm sorry... try to relax.

Go and do some painting.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, dear.

That's not how
you peel potatoes.

I'll be back late.
Can you stay with her?

Yes, I'll wait for you.

Thanks, lrina.
Bye, Paola.

Mum, you look
so elegant tonight.

Good evening.

He and one of his men
are on a bike.

They're in an alley
past the bridge.

- What are they doing?
- They're just there.

Inspector Cattani,
I'd like a word, please.

We can't spare two men
to watch the drug centre.

I think we can.

He's just gone by.
In a brown car.

He'll be there in 5 minutes.